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Minnesota Health Insurance Companies
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Minnesota Health Insurance Resources
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How to Get the Most Savings
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Minnesota Health Insurance FAQS
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How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Minnesota
Minnesota Health Insurance Companies
Minnesota has a handful of options when it comes to health insurance carriers. A few of them are:
PreferredOne
PreferredOne, a division of Fairview Health Services, is a reliable choice for your health insurance needs. 99% of the hospitals and clinics in Minnesota have contracts with PreferredOne, so finding a nearby in-network medical facility and doctor is easy. One of PreferredOne’s perks is the fact that it combines specialty pharmacies, pharmacy benefit management, and health plans under a single company.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota is committed to offering residents high-quality, affordable health coverage and unique health services. Geographically specific plans are provided by BCBS Minnesota, which reduces travel time and results in more educated customer support representatives.
BCBS Minnesota offers affordable, top-notch care, because you can save money by using their wide range of in-network pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and doctors. To get full coverage, you can also add dental and vision coverage to your plan.
Health Insurance Marketplace in Minnesota
If you’re looking for health insurance in Minnesota, the health insurance Marketplace is a great place to start. Marketplace health insurance, which was created by the Affordable Care Act, offers certain consumer protections, guarantees coverage for pre-existing conditions, and includes coverage for what are known as the “10 essential health benefits”:
- Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care)
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (both before and after birth)
- Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment (including counseling and psychotherapy)
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
- Pediatric services, including oral and vision care (but adult dental and vision coverage aren’t essential health benefits)
The ACA-compliant plans offered on the Marketplace are divided into the different types, known as metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. These tiers do not signal a difference in quality of care, though. The tiers differ in your out-of-pocket costs versus what your plan covers.
It’s important to remember that the Marketplace only offers the plans of participating providers. So unfortunately, while the Marketplace is a great tool, you may not be able to compare every plan available to you.
Whether you want a Marketplace plan, or a plan from a private insurer, an EZ agent can help. We work with all carriers in your state in order to compare all options available.
Over half of the uninsured in Minnesota who qualify for Marketplace insurance coverage could get a Bronze plan for FREE.
Minnesota’s Short Term Health Insurance Guidelines
If you’ve missed the health insurance Open Enrollment Period (OEP) or have a need for health insurance for a short amount of time, short-term plans are a great option. It’s important to note, though, that these policies tend to only cover the basics, and you can be denied one of these plans if you have a pre-existing condition.
There are some rules around short-term plans, both at the federal and the state level. Some states choose to have their own guidelines separate from federal guidelines, or not offer short-term plans at all. Minnesota has its own guidelines that are different from federal rules. If you purchase one of these plans, your initial plan term will be 185 days. You can renew your plan, but you cannot have more than 365 days of short-term coverage within a 555-day period.
Minnesota Health Insurance Resources
In terms of finding the right health insurance for you, there is no ideal strategy. But you can find the best plan for you and your family without going over budget if you are aware of your choices. To help you make your selection, you can look into a variety of options and use a variety of resources.
If you are employed, you should start by asking your employer if they offer a group plan. While employers in Minnesota are not required to offer health insurance to their employees, the majority of businesses do, and these plans are typically less expensive individual plans. It’s important to note, though, that your choices and coverage might be limited.
Government-sponsored programs are another option, if you meet certain requirements, so use the resources available to you to check what you might be eligible for. Residents 65 or older, and people with certain disabilities of any age are eligible for Medicare‘s low-cost programs. Low-income individuals and families may also qualify for free or very inexpensive plans under the Medicaid program.
To guarantee that you choose wisely, the best resource available to you is an agent. EZ agents will assess each of your options, and even find out if you qualify for any assistance programs. We can find affordable policies with the coverage you want.
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How to Get the Most Savings
In terms of healthcare costs per capita, Minnesota is one of the less expensive states. With an average healthcare expenditure of $10,510 per person annually, Minnesota is tied for 38th place out of the 50 states. But even though your state is relatively affordable, there are still ways to save.
Maintaining good health will allow you to save a lot of money on your health insurance, since how much you pay for health insurance can vary depending on your body mass index (BMI) and tobacco use. In Minnesota, 13.4% of adults smoke and 30.1% are considered obese, meaning a lot of people are paying more than they need to for health insurance. In fact, these factors could mean paying up to 50% more on premiums!
Where you live can also make a difference when it comes to health insurance premiums. If you live in an area with more medical providers, you will probably pay less. In Minnesota, Saint Paul, Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington have the most affordable health insurance premiums.
Regardless of where you reside or the state of your health, working with an EZ agent is actually the easiest way to get the most savings. In fact, by working with an EZ agent, you can reduce your annual health insurance costs by hundreds of dollars. The best part is that there are no fees associated with using any of our services. Start saving more money right away by talking to one of our agents!
Minnesota Health Insurance FAQS
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Does Minnesota require you to have health insurance?
The ACA does still say health insurance is mandatory, but there is no longer a federal tax penalty for not having a plan. Minnesota also does not have any state mandates for health insurance.
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What is the cheapest health insurance in Minnesota?
The cheapest health plan will be a Bronze plan, which can start as low as $320 a month. However, health insurance plan prices can vary depending on age, zip code, gender, and other factors.
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How much does health insurance cost in Minnesota?
The average monthly premium for health insurance in Minnesota is $375, or $4,500 per year, with plans as low as $320 a month to as high as $911. But some residents can qualify for free coverage.
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Which insurers offer plans in Minnesota?
The top 6 insurers in Minnesota are Blue Plus, Group Health, Medica Insurance Company, UCare Minnesota, PreferredOne, Quartz Health Plan MN.
How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Minnesota
There are several ways to enroll in a health insurance plan in Minnesota. One method is to use MNsure, Minnesota’s state-run health insurance exchange. Its site can be used to compare the plans offered by carriers that participate in the state exchange. Additionally, you can sign up directly on the website of the insurance carrier of your choice.
Another option is to enroll through your employer if they offer a group plan; these plans are typically less expensive than individual plans. But whether you want to enroll through the exchange, directly through an insurance company, or through your employer, an EZ agent can help!
Our agent can assist you in comparing plans to be sure you’re picking the best option and can walk you through the enrollment process. We will answer all of your questions and find any discounts or programs for which you qualify. Enrolling in health insurance can be challenging; let an EZ agent relieve your worries and help you get the best coverage.
If you still have questions, feel free to give us a call at 877-670-3557. When you call, you will be directly connected to a local insurance agent who can answer all of your questions and help you find the health insurance plan that works best for you.
